Ombudsman asked to investigate PSNI 'bullet drop' video

The Police ombudsman has been asked to investigate an incident in Lurgan earlier this month, during which a police officer appears to drop a magazine from his rifle in the street.

Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd has referred a video posted online to the watchdog, during which an officer is seen dropping what appears to be a magazine clip and then returning seconds later to pick up what are thought to have been bullets.

The video was taken at a police cordon during an incident at the railway lines in the town earlier this month.

Mr O'Dowd said: "The officer in question is seen on patrol when he drops what appears to be a magazine clip from a rifle.

"He picks it up but is called back by young people to pick up what they claim are bullets left on the road.

"I have asked the Police Ombudsman to investigate to ensure the full facts are known and to ensure if public safety was put at risk that it doesn’t happen again", he added.